Southbanker: Reading FC finally give us a week to be proud of

Without doubt last Saturday’s trip to Bradford followed by the unique experience of seeing the Royals play well and win at the Mad Stad on a Tuesday, has to go down as the best week to date this season!

But listening to the various sports commentators on the radio during the long drive up to Yorkshire you got the distinct impression that the Bradford City v Reading tie had utterly under-whelmed the nation.

I found this media disdain contemptible but hardly surprising in the Premier League circus that only revolves around the Champions League wannabe’s and demotes so-called lesser teams to the footnotes of soccer irrelevance.

When our tie did eventually get a mention, Reading’s participation appeared no more than an after thought.

I have no problem with Parky’s team getting star billing because following their demolition of Chelsea and Sunderland they thoroughly deserve it but the Royals should also have been given some recognition for reaching the quarter-finals.

Anyway no one in attendance at Valley Parade gave a damn about the national media.

Both sets of supporters contributed massively to a game low on quality but brimming with passion, commitment and nervous anticipation.

It was a good old fashioned “English” cup tie with no quarter given and not a sniff of tippy-tappy at the back which would have been suicidal on that pitch!

There was an incredible atmosphere at Valley Parade.

Despite the goalless scoreline, it was a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable day.

But despite the low attendance, the atmosphere was so much better than of late. However it can be no coincidence that the increased volume went hand-in-hand with a brace of “Roy of the Rovers” goals from the inspired Mackie and a similar team attitude carried forward from the Bradford cup tie.

And for what it’s worth Sweet Caroline did it for me. I only hope that we’re still belting out, “Good times never seemed so good” after the visit to Watford and that Monday night replay!